The vast majority (84%) of of Wi-Fi users are interested in citywide Wi-Fi services, and a surprisingly large percentage (56%) say they would be willing to pay for it just like any other public utility, according to a recent survey by Devicescape, a wireless application vendor.

The international poll of 2700 Devicescape customers found that laptop and smartphone users are coming to expect Wi-Fi access while traveling. Most smartphone users (81%) prefer Wi-Fi (over 3G cellular networks) for web access on the go, and 82% feel that wireless carriers should offer access to wireless hotspots alongside 3G data services.

“This data reflects the fact that people recognize that Wi-Fi — a technology they know and love on PCs and home entertainment systems — is also a great way to stay connected with their handsets,” commented Kelly Davis-Felner, marketing director of the Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry trade group. “Wi-Fi delivers a terrific user experience for web surfing, downloading multimedia content, and doing voice calls, so it has become a must-have feature on all the coolest phones.”

Challenges continue to stand in the way of widespread mobile Wi-Fi adoption, however, with many customers expressing dissatisfaction with the “complicated login screens” required to access most hotspots and networks. The vast majority (90%) of customers also want the ability to roam seamlessly between Wi-Fi and 3G networks, something which is difficult for service providers to offer.